How did the steamboats in the 1800s improve?

Answer 1

After Robert Fulton's success with his steamboat the Clermont, wich took people from NYC to Albany in 62 hours wich was a record time, people began using steamboats for carrying heavy loads and goods besides carrying people. Then, Henry Shreve invented the flat bottomed steambooat because western rivers were very shallow. The flatboat could carry heavy loads without getting stuck on sandbars. Although this was a breakthrough, they were still very dangerous. Sometimes captains of the boats would race each other on the rivers. Sparks from the smokestacks could cause fires, boilers exploded, and other accidents. Between about 1811-'51, 44 steamboats collided, 166 burned, and more than 200 exploded. Robert Fulton did indeed improve the steam boat other that what had already been there. He was able to create a more reliable, and safer steamboat versus the older models. There were many hardships along the way, but the Clermont was a successful steamboat that spurred his invention.

Answer 2

it was not dependent on wind power so it was easier to drive on non windy day.